Scott Township looking to develop strategic plan

By Terry Kish

For The Almanac

writer@thealmanac.net

With an eye to the future, Scott Township Commissioners are considering development of a 10-year strategic plan for the municipality.

Township manager Denise Fitzgerald told the board that creation of a strategic plan could cost between $5,000 and $50,000, and recommended that the commissioners set goals before a request for proposal was drafted.

“We need three or four goals established by the township, so the person writing the proposal knows what we’re looking for,” said Fitzgerald.

Referring to the board of commissioners, President David Jason said, “We’re politicians, we can set the goals.” But, Jason added that he thought the planning commission should oversee the strategic plan process.

Fitzgerald commented that one item she would like to see as part of the strategic plan is a 10-year long-range plan for the municipality’s infrastructure.

Jason said he would also like input from Scott’s public works director Randy Lubin. Jason asked Lubin, Fitzgerald and each commissioner to send their top three or four goals for the township’s strategic plan to Fitzgerald by the end of May. Fitzgerald will compile the information and is expected to present it for review at the board’s June 10 agenda meeting.

In other business, the board heard from Harry Munson of HTM Designs about a veterans’ banner program for Carothers Avenue. Munson’s company designs banners of veterans to show honor and respect for their military service.

Castle Shannon was the first municipality to display the veterans’ banners in 2009, and since then, the effort has grown to Bethel Park, South Park, Finleyville, Union Township and Canonsburg. Munson said there are now 16.8 miles of Route 88 with veterans’ banners.

Munson said that most communities put the banners up around Memorial Day and take them down at Veterans’ Day. In addition to those currently serving in the military, they have also done banners honoring veterans from World War I, World War II and recently received an order for a banner for a Civil War veteran. He said they are usually able to restore most photos so they can be used on a banner.

The banners, which measure two feet by three feet are $35 each, and Munson said most families purchase two; one for their home and one for use in their community.

Scott officials are expected to vote on participation in the banner program at their April 22 regular meeting.